Guns found in car at S. Jeff

ADAMS — Two 17-year-olds were arrested by state police Wednesday after they allegedly brought guns to South Jefferson Central School's Clarke building for what another teenager's parent says was an "assassin" game.

A source who refused to be named in this report said one shot was fired in the air from a .22-caliber rifle, but a police statement contradicts that allegation.

The two teens were arraigned on misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon before Adams Town Justice Donald B. Shaw and were released to the custody of their parents. Justice Shaw said Wednesday afternoon that he has sealed their records for possible youthful-offender status.

One of the youths additionally was cited with unlawful possession of a weapon upon school grounds, a violation.

A source identified the two as Clifford R. Moulton III, Michael Road, and Anthony Hamilton, no address provided.

When a misdemeanor charge is lodged against a suspect who is 16, 17 or 18, the court is required by law to immediately seal the case. If a felony were charged, the case remains open to the public up to the time of sentencing.

A .22-caliber rifle and a soft-air pellet handgun were found in the car in which the two students arrived at school, police said.

District Superintendent Jamie A. Moesel declined to discuss names, ages or details, but confirmed there was an incident in the school parking lot, and that more than one student has been given a five-day suspension. That is the maximum length for a suspension prior to a disciplinary hearing, she said.

Mrs. Moesel said the school resource officer, Trooper Jeffrey G. Stevenson, responded as soon as the incident was reported and took the youths into custody. Nobody was injured.

She said state police asked her not to disclose any other details.

State police said in a press release "Neither weapon was removed by the two subjects from the vehicle on school grounds. There are currently no known threats of a weapon at South Jefferson and we don't not believe that any threats of harm were made with these weapons."

A woman not wishing to be identified contradicted police, alleging that a shot was fired in the air, but in the general direction of a boy who is the stepson of the South Jefferson faculty member. That teacher could not be reached for comment.

The woman said parents are organizing to confront school administration to insist that strong action be taken against the two youths. Students are scared, she said.

Mr. Moulton was arrested in October, charged by state police with endangering the welfare of a child. He was accused of having sexual intercourse with a 14 year-old girl in the town of Ellisburg. That case would also be sealed for youthful-offender status.

The Moulton family could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.